M. Ageyev's enigmatic 'Novel with Cocaine' plunges readers into the labyrinthine mind of Vadim Maslennikov, a young man navigating the dark alleys of 1910s Moscow. This seminal work, often considered a semi-autobiographical account, explores the insidious grip of cocaine addiction, transforming a privileged student's life into a downward spiral of obsession, paranoia, and moral decay. Ageyev masterfully dissects the psychological turmoil and emotional desolation that accompany addiction, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of human vulnerability and the destructive power of self-deception. It's a compelling, haunting narrative that continues to resonate with its profound insights into the human condition and the nature of desire.